Variation in bird sightings reported

Climate changes, loss of preferred tree species, habitat degradation and atmospheric pollution have reportedly led to the substantial variation in the number and frequency of sighting of birds in and around the State capital. The Kerala Bird Race 2008 held on Sunday at 10 locations here has highlighted the need for an in-depth survey and site and species specific studies to protect bird population. The bird race, held with the active participation of 78 bird enthusiasts, has highlighted the need for protecting potential bird areas and ensuring the quality of living environment. As many as 34 species of birds were reported from Peroorkada. Non-sighting of the House Sparrow, a common small grey and brown bird, came in as a surprise to the birdwatchers. The Oriental Darter, an endangered and red-listed snake bird, which was earlier reported from Akkulam, was also not sighted. The Crested Honey Buzzard and the Booted Eagle which were not reported previously from Akkulam were spotted. Birdwatchers attributed the dip in the number of birds to an increase in the water level and spread of water hyacinth in Akkulam Lake. Reclamation of wetlands is also a major threat to the avian population of the area. Greater Spotted Eagle, a rare bird of prey, and White Ibis, were sighted at Punchakkary paddy fields in the suburbs. Booted eagle was sighted from Vellayani Lake area. The Arippa forest area, near Kulathuppuzha, was found to have a rich avian diversity. Close to 75 species of birds were sighted there. Important sightings were that of the Black Baza, a bird of prey, the Brown Fish Owl and the Malabar Trogon. There was a considerable increase in the number of Greenish Warblers. Sighting of the Black Bulbul, a forest species comparatively seen in higher altitudes, was reported from the low-lying Chathancode forests foothills of Bonaccord.  The green lung of the capital, the Museum-Zoo premises, had considerable bird diversity with 41 species including the Grey Fronted Green Pigeon, a forest bird. The Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, an indicator for aquatic habitat within forests, was reported from the Kallada reservoir area. The sighting of Black Kites in and around Thenmala caused apprehension as it is a major scavenger species seen in towns and cities. As many as six species of birds of prey were sighted in the grasslands of Ponmudi. Sighting of the Black Caped Kingfisher along the Kallar was the most important sighting. The Bird Race, sponsored by HSBC, was coordinated locally by the WWF and the Warblers & Waders. The participants were grouped in teams of ten and were equipped with binoculars. The Egrets team which surveyed the area in and around Punchakkary paddy fields won the first prize with a sighting of 82 species. The Black Baza team which surveyed Arippa forests won second prize with 75 species. The third place was secured by the Kingfisher team which spotted 66 species. T. Anantha Padmanabhan was the senior-most bird-watcher and Sohaib was the youngest among the lot.

The Hindu, 13^th November 2008